Canada imposes economic sanctions on Syria

TORONTO – Canada is imposing economic sanctions against Syria.

Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird said Tuesday the repression against the Syrian people is "tremendously disturbing and outrageous" and says the "abhorrent crackdown must end."

The United States and the European Union have already imposed sanctions on President Bashar Assad and other ministers. Canada's sanctions will prevent Syrian leaders from travelling to Canada and essentially ban trade between the two countries.

The measures are largely symbolic because Canada exports only about $60 million annually to Syria, and receives less than a tenth that in imports.